Television has been leaning into complicated relationship tropes pretty much since its inception. It’s always much more dramatic and exciting if there’s an obstacle to overcome or a shocking twist to endure. For years, soap operas have been depicting some truly outlandish relationship dynamics, but prime-timeTVhas not shied away from such topics either. Uneven power distributions, uncomfortable age gaps, and toxic behavior are a given, but many fictional couples push the boundaries even further.
In the last few decades, it has been much more common to include instances of incest, multiply age gaps by hundreds of years in shows about the supernatural, and glorify some very questionable and manipulative actions.Some couples are meant to be problematic; others are written to be romantic and aspirational. While love is a complex emotion, there have been some beloved TV couples that have had an air of creepiness that is difficult to overcome.
10Daphne Moon & Niles Crane
From Frasier (1993-2004)
As one of the most popular TV couples in history, Niles and Daphne have a legion ofFrasierfans who always wanted them to end up together. And, while they did get their happy ending, and ironed out a lot of their issues, it’s hard to ignore just how inappropriate their beginnings were.
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Power imbalance aside (she worked for his brother and father and always addressed him as Dr. Crane),Niles acted in a borderline stalker-like manner, constantly smelling her hair, and objectifying her. It’s played for comedy, and he never crosses the physical line until they’re both ready, but he’s either married or in a relationship, all the while in love with another woman.
Frasier
Cast
Fraiser is a comedy-drama sitcom that stars Kelsey Grammer as a psychiatrist who takes up the role of a radio show host in Seattle after his life in Boston is upheaved. A spin-off of the series Cheers, Fraiser follows the titular character adjusting to the single life while caring for his father (a retired police officer,) his brother, and other eccentric co-workers.
He also sneaks into her room or stares at her whenever he has the chance. Once the two characters finally got together after seven seasons, the writers actually did a very good job of addressing all the creepy behavior Niles displayed in the past, and they were able to move on to their happily ever after.
9Dexter & Debra Morgan
From Dexter (2006-2013)
Everyone’s favorite morally divisive serial killer has had many questionable relationships in his tumultuous life. He kept very dark things from Rita and Angel, and the people who he could be himself with were all very damaged themselves. One of his most important connections throughout the series is withhis adoptive sister, Deb. For the most part, they operate on opposite sides of the law but also end up working in tandem often.
Dexter
Dexter is a television series following Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police who secretly leads a dual life as a vigilante serial killer. Released in 2006, the show focuses on Dexter’s internal conflict as he hunts down criminals who elude justice within the legal system.
Sincethey grew up as siblings, and the first few seasons ofDextersee them act as such, it is a big shock when it turns out that Deb’s feelings for Dexter are of the romantic variety. While they didn’t end up consummating the relationship, their dynamic shifted immensely, and the feeling of awkwardness was hard to watch. This discomfort even made everything that happened in the previous six seasons between them feel different as well.
8Monica Geller & Richard Burke
FromFriends (1994-2004)
Before Chandler Bing, the big love of Monica’s life inFriendswas none other than Dr. Richard Burke. While it’s not hard to imagine anyone falling for Tom Selleck, especially in the early 1990s, once the actual specifics become more apparent, this once-lauded relationship begins to feel much more worrisome.
Of course, by the time they get together, they are both consenting adults, but conversations between Monica and Rachel show just how far back this connection goes.
Not only is he one of her parents' best friends, buthe has known her since she was just a child. Of course, by the time they get together, they are both consenting adults, but conversations between Monica and Rachel show just how far back this connection goes. The age gap is addressed on multiple occasions, and even becomes the butt of the joke a few times.
Friends
Friends is a television sitcom that debuted in 1994, revolving around six young New Yorkers navigating the complexities of adulthood. The series highlights their friendship as they support each other through personal and professional challenges, encapsulating the ups and downs of life in a comedic and relatable manner.
That justadds to the discomfort, especially whenever Mr. Geller is involvedas well. Their breakup is very heartfelt and sad because, despite all their differences, their feelings are genuine. The only thing stranger than them getting together in the first place is Monica’s attempt to date his son. Thankfully, they both realize how wrong that would be before it goes any further.
7Serena van der Woodsen & Dan Humphrey
From Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
Though it started as the first main love story ofGossip Girl, by the end of the series, this relationship was creepy and uncomfortable. There are quite a few reasons for this, and they became apparent early on. Though Dan worshiped Serena from afar, when they finally got together, all he wanted was for her to change.
She, in turn, tries to lose herself in this new relationship, which becomes a pattern for her.Both of them constantly lie to each otherand hurt one another over and over again. Another big issue is the connection between their parents. Lily and Rufus have a history together and still have lingering feelings that they end up exploring.
Gossip Girl
Set among Manhattan’s elite, this drama series follows wealthy teenagers whose scandalous lives are exposed by an anonymous blogger. The show delves into themes of betrayal, ambition, and the complexities of high-society friendships, as the characters navigate interpersonal conflicts and personal aspirations.
Not to mention the sibling Dan and Serena share, although he got written off quite quickly. But, perhaps the most problematic issue that marred their endgame status is the fact thathe constantly invaded her and her loved ones' privacy, shared her darkest secrets, and manipulated their surroundings as Gossip Girl. Instead of a marriage license, she should have gotten a restraining order.
6Damon Salvatore & Elena Gilbert
From The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017)
The interwoven destinies of all the residents of Mystic Falls are complex and very disturbing at times. Though there were many popular couples inThe Vampire Diaries, the love story betweenDamon and Elena became the most central for audiencesfor a long time. The problem is, however, there was so much wrong with it, “Dalena” fans had to do quite a lot of mental gymnastics to justify the relationship.
The Vampire Diaries
Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another’s affection.
There is the obvious centuries-wide age gap,the fact that he obsessively stalked her, that she dated his similarly problematic brother, and that Damon, in turn, killed Elena’s brother. While the suspension of disbelief in fantasy shows allows for some more outlandish storylines, the levels of violence and hurt these two inflict on each other are sometimes hard to bear. Knowing that one of the reasons he pursued her was because she looked exactly like his ex is just the cherry on top of an already creepy cake.
5Zack Morris & Kelly Kapowski
From Saved By The Bell (1989-1992)
The prom king and queen of 1990s teen television, Zack and Kelly had their fair share of ups and downs before eventually tying the knot in one of the manySaved by the Bellspinoffs.While the show has its fair share of controversial plot points, Zack Morris does many questionable things, and some of the worst are what he does in pursuit of Kelly. From recording subliminal messages so that she’d go out with him, to bugging her own bedroom to spy on her,his behavior is unacceptable on many levels.
Saved By the Bell
An iconic sitcom of the early 90s, Saved By The Bell follows six students (Zack Morris, Kelly Kapowski, A.C. Slater, Jessie Spano, Samuel “Screech” Powers, Lisa Turtle) and their years at Bayside High School in Palisades, California.
Some other honorable mentions include selling swimsuit calendars of Kelly and the other girls without their consent, and tricking Kelly into kissing him because she thought he was dying. There is a lot of darkness in this seemingly lighthearted show. His early-season rivalry with Slater also has him playing dirty with his opponent, but even when Zack and Kelly become a couple, they both make mistakes with many breakups and makeups.
4Jon Snow & Daenerys Targaryen
From Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)
The goings-on in Westeros were always questionable at best, and horrifying at their worst. The violence, brutality, and political intrigue had viewers tuning in with fascination and trepidation. There are very few relationships that are not problematic on some level, but there are some that are outright creepy.
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By the time Jon and Dany get together, they have gone through their fair share of drama. From the losses of Khal Drogo and Ygritte, to the horrors of war they both experienced multiple times. The way their stories had been developing independently of each other did indicate their paths were bound to cross. Both heroic characters in their own right, when they finally meet, sparks fly.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
With mutual levels of respect and admiration, as well as an obvious attraction, it was only a matter of time before Jon was knocking on the door of her cabin. But, by that time,it had become apparent that their connection was much more familialthan the righteous Jon Snow would be comfortable with.
3Joe Goldberg & Love Quinn
From You (2018-2025)
It’s safe to sayevery relationship Joe strikes up inYouis creepy, disturbing, and ultimately murderous. He stalks and kills Beck, Candace, and Peach to name but a few. But the one between him and Love reaches additional layers of distress. Though it starts out quite similarly to the story in season 1, with Joe finding his prey in a whole new city, and doing everything he can to ensure they get together.
As usual, others get in the way and meet their grizzly end at the hands of not only Mr. Goldberg but Ms. Quinn as well. The twist at the end of season 2 shows that Love is just as disturbed as Joe, and she has been manipulating the situation from her side the whole time as well.
You
You is a psychological thriller that follows a dangerously charming and intensely obsessive young man who manipulates his way into the lives of those he fixates upon, using extreme measures to pursue his unsettling aims.
The revelation sets up a whole new arc for season 3 when their relationship becomes ever more toxic. It seems as though he likes being the one in control, and proceeds to find other people to obsess about, while she seethes away in suburban misery. Their final scene together is a great indicator of how many issues this controversial couple really have.
2Aria Montgomery & Ezra Fitz
FromPretty Little Liars (2010-2017)
With the many wild plot points that occur throughout the run of a hit series, just one romantic entanglement might seem like a non-issue. But, when the relationship in question is that of Aria and Ezra fromPretty Little Liars, their various issues are too creepy not to discuss. A lot happens during the 160 episodes, and what seems to be real at first turns out not to be in subsequent seasons. This very much covers all the intricacies of this relationship.
Pretty Little Liars
Pretty Little Liars is a Teen Drama and Mystery series based on the novel by Sara Shepard. The show was created by Marlene King and stars Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, and Holly Marie Combs. The series revolves around four friends who meet back up with one another and begin to receive strange threats from an unknown source simply labeled “A.”
For example, while the audience initially thought this problematic relationship began because Aria lied about her age, it later turns out that Ezra knew exactly who she was the whole time. But even that initial bathroom tryst should not have led toa full-blown affair between a teacher and his underage student. Add to that the multiple lies and deception, constant manipulation, and the secret book he was writing, and this endgame couple continues to feel that much less appropriate.
1Cersei & Jaime Lannister
Again, this groundbreaking show changed the face of television. Its production was cinematic, the writing and action thrilled in equal measure, and it introduced many morally gray topics that viewers didn’t know how to feel about a lot of the time. The first episode took absolutely no prisoners andwent straight for the plot point of incest, or “twincest” as many refer to it.
Anyone who had not read the original source material would never have expected to see the Lannister siblings in such a state, and yet it became one of the main relationships of the show.
Anyone who had not read the original source material would never have expected to see the Lannister siblings in such a state, and yet it became one of the main relationships of the show. At first, there is no attempt to make this couple seem natural or right in any way, especially as both the characters are cruel and deplorable.
It even provides one of the central conflicts that cost Ned Stark his head, but, as the seasons went on, both Cersei and Jamie became more rounded characters and the audience even found themselves feeling somewhat at ease with this arrangement. But, the fact remains,this type of relationship between a brother and sister is undeniably creepy.
